Window assembly masking bag

ABSTRACT

The invention provides methods and equipment for storing and protecting window assemblies. In certain embodiments, there is provided a bag configured to hold a window assembly therein following the assembly&#39;s manufacture up until after the installation of the assembly. The bag is configured to be sealed and to be form-fitted to the window assembly. As such, the likelihood of the bag allowing contaminants therein or catching on something and tearing is reduced. Following the installation of the window assembly, a portion of the bag is configured for removal from the exposed surfaces of the window assembly. A portion of the bag not removed is subsequently utilized as a protective barrier for the non-exposed surfaces of the window assembly. In certain embodiments, there is provided a method for storing and protecting a window assembly using a bag of the described nature.

RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to U.S. provisional patentapplication 60/678,736, filed May 6, 2005, the entire disclosure ofwhich is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to window assemblies. More particularly,this invention relates to mechanisms used for storing and protecting theassemblies during a period of time which extends from just after thewindow assembly is manufactured until after the window assembly isinstalled.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In most industrialized countries, it is customary for manufacturers todistribute or ship products in packages. One primary reason for usingsuch packaging is to protect the product during shipping so that theproduct is received by the consumer in generally the same condition asit was when initially sent from the manufacturer. As a result, theconsumer is more likely to be satisfied with the product after removingit from the packaging, and in turn, more likely to continue doingbusiness with the manufacturer in the future.

Window assemblies are generally comprised of at least one pane (i.e.,typically a pane of glass) and a corresponding frame. The windowassemblies are no different from any other product in that, withoutadequate protection during shipping, they can become easily damagedprior to their use in the field. There are many ways in which thisdamage can occur. A few examples could involve the glass of the assemblybeing scratched or cracked or the frame of the assembly being scraped ornicked from handling during shipping. Unfortunately, this type of damageis liable to occur at any time subsequent to manufacturing up until thetime the window assembly is installed.

In addition, a window assembly can also become marked or stained anytimeprior to or after installation. For example, during storage aftermanufacture, water vapor is liable to condense on the outer surface ofthe assemblies. If the frame of such assembly is made of wood, suchmoisture settling thereon may promote the formation of mildew, whichcould potentially damage the window assembly. Another example involvesthe period of time following installation, during which surrounding wallsurfaces may be painted. When painting, potential exists for paint todrip or splatter onto the pane or frame of the window assembly. If suchpaint is not timely washed off or otherwise removed, the window assemblycould be permanently stained.

While there have been prior attempts to protect window assemblies fromthe time of manufacture up until after the time of installation, therehave been shortcomings in regards to these attempts. This inventionattempts to solve these shortcomings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides a method and apparatus for storing and protectinga window assembly on all exposed surfaces. The method and apparatusprovide a bag that can be used following manufacture of the assembly upthrough the time that the window assembly is installed. The method andapparatus provide a bag configured to seal the window assembly thereinand form-fit the bag to the window assembly. Following installation ofthe window assembly, the bag is adapted for removal from all exposedsections of the window assembly, providing a clean appearance for theexposed surfaces of the assembly and providing a protective barrier forthe non-exposed surfaces of the window assembly within the installationopening.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a window;

FIG. 2 is a schematic front elevation view of a window assembly;

FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of a window assembly masking bagin accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view of a window assembly masking bagin accordance with an alternate exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the window assemblyof FIG. 2 located within a window assembly masking bag in accordancewith an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the window assemblymasking bag and window assembly of FIG. 5 following a form-fittingprocess in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the window assemblymasking bag and window assembly of FIG. 6 following their installationin accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the window assemblyof FIG. 7 following the removal of a portion of the window assemblymasking bag of FIG. 7 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the window assemblymasking bag and window assembly of FIG. 6 following their installationin accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the window assemblymasking bag and window assembly of FIG. 6 following their installationin accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description is to be read with reference to thedrawings, in which like elements in different drawings have been givenlike reference numerals. The drawings, which are not necessarily toscale, depict selected embodiments and are not intended to limit thescope of the invention. Skilled artisans will recognize that theexamples provided herein have many useful alternatives that fall withinthe scope of the invention.

The structure of the system is generally referred to herein as a bag;however, the structure can also be referred to as a carrier, acontainer, a sack, or other like terms. Preferably, the structure of thesystem (i.e., the bag) is adapted for securely storing and protectingwindow assemblies therein. In certain embodiments, the bags are used toaccommodate window assemblies for a time period following theirmanufacture up until after the assemblies are installed in the field.Typically, this time period accounts for after-assembly storage,shipping, and installation of the window assemblies. The structure ofthe system, however, can also be configured for storing and protectingother objects in a wide variety of other applications.

In certain embodiments, the invention provides a bag for generallystoring and protecting a corresponding window assembly. An obviouscomponent of a window assembly is a window, an example of which isillustrated in FIG. 1. The window 10 of FIG. 1 includes a pane 12peripherally surrounded by a sash 14. The pane 12 typically includes agenerally flat, sheet-like substrate. The substrate typically has twogenerally-opposed major surfaces, which preferably are planar andsubstantially parallel to each other. In most cases, each substrate willbe a sheet of transparent material (e.g., a transparent pane). Forexample, each substrate may be a sheet of glass, clear plastic, or thelike. The sash 14 is typically a rectangular-shaped casing that isbonded to the periphery of the at least one pane 12. In most cases, thesash 14 is formed of wood, metal, plastic or any other suitablematerial. Thus, for an exemplary window, there is typically provided atleast one pane 12 having first and second generally-opposed majorsurfaces surrounded by a sash 14.

An exemplary window assembly is illustrated in FIG. 2. The assembly 16of FIG. 2 is commonly referred to as a vertical sliding sash windowassembly. Generally, such assembly 16 includes a rectangular frame 18and at least one window 10. The vertical rectangular frame 18 supportsthe windows 10 within the assembly 16 and includes two side jambs 20, ahead 22, and a sill 24. The common side jambs 20 are the parallel spacedvertical frame members and the head 22 is the top horizontal framemember joining the top of each side jamb 20. The head 22 and side jambs20 are typically of equal width. The sill 24 part of the bottom of theframe 18 generally slopes downward to prevent water from draining intothe interior of the building. The frame 18 may be constructed of wood,metal, plastic or any other suitable material. Although, the inventionis described in connection with such sliding sash window assembly 16, itis not done so as to limit the invention as such. It is contemplatedthat the invention may also be used with a wide variety of window types,styles and sizes.

As mentioned above, the bags of the invention are preferably usedadvantageously for storing and protecting such window assemblies. Assuch, each bag is generally sized and shaped to accommodate acorresponding window assembly. In use, the bag is configured to protectthe normally-exposed assembly surfaces from incidental blemishes (i.e.,scratches, scrapes, bumps, nicks, etc.) that are generally known tooccur during storage, transport, or installation of the assembly.Further, the bag can be used for a time period following installation soas to further protect the assembly. For example, after the windowassembly is installed, one may need to clean or paint the surroundingwalls. Typically, before such cleaning or painting is started, thewindow assembly sash or frame, as well as the window assembly pane(s),may be masked to prevent any cleaning solution or paint from adheringthereto. While most compounds that become adhered to the sash, frame, orpane may be scraped off or otherwise removed, additional time isrequired to do so. Further, because of a tempering process normallyperformed on glass panes of windows, the pane (if glass) is generallysofter than untempered glass. Consequently, if one needs to clean orscrape the pane of the assembly, the pane surface could potentially bescratched or abraded, resulting in the window assembly beingunacceptable to the customer. As such, in using the invention, all suchmasking can be avoided, as well as potential dissatisfaction from thecustomer in regard to the product.

Preferably, the bag is simple and economical to manufacture. In certainembodiments, the bag is made of a thin flexible protective material. Theprotective material may be most any suitable commercially available filmsuch as plastic and the like. A few suitable plastic materials includepolyethylene and biaxially oriented polypropylene, which arecommercially available from Dupont (Wilmington, Del. U.S.A.). In certainembodiments, the material is opaque, so as to be generally impenetrableby light. In turn, the bag can protect the assembly, in particular, theframe, from bleaching due to exposure from light. Conversely, in othercertain embodiments, the material is preferably transparent (or at leasttranslucent) to permit examination of the bag contents (i.e., the windowassembly) at any time. Further, the material shall be flexible,moisture-proof, and reasonably tough to withstand tearing. Although thethickness of the material could feasibly vary depending on the size andmass of the window assembly it is intended to store and protect, thematerial should be not be so thin that it tears during installation, andalternatively, not too thick so that it is too stiff to permit properinstallation of the window assembly. In certain embodiments, suchmaterial thickness may range from 3 to 6 mil. The bag can be generallyconstructed from one section of such protective material even though thebag may involve other elements (e.g., materials used for couplingsurfaces of the bag, etc.) that contribute to the bag's overallassembly.

In certain embodiments, the bag is adapted to be form-fitted. As such,once the window assembly is placed within the bag, the bag can beform-fitted to the window assembly. In turn, when the window assembly istransported (i.e., during subsequent storage, shipping, andinstallation), the potential for the bag to hang loosely from theassembly so as to possibly catch on something and tear is minimized. Incertain embodiments, this is accomplished via a vacuum sealing process.Vacuum sealing of this nature involves removing a substantial portion ofthe air from within the bag via a self-sealing tube located thereon.Generally, this process takes place after the window assembly isinserted within the bag through an opening, and after the bag openinghas been sealed. Subsequently, the self-sealing tube is used in pulling(i.e., sucking) the air out of the bag. With the air being pulled fromthe interior of the bag in this fashion, the bag naturally collapsesaround the window. Alternate form-fitting processes may involve using amaterial for the bag that retains static electricity (i.e., causing thematerial to naturally “cling” to surfaces) or that is heat sensitive(causing the material to “shrink” and form with surfaces when heated).Unfortunately, such specialized materials may be more difficult toutilize and also more expensive to acquire. Thus, it is contemplatedthat vacuum sealing would generally be preferred over these alternateprocesses. As mentioned above, in order for the bag to be form-fitted tothe window assembly, the bag opening must first be sealed. Once theopening is sealed, the window assembly will be fully contained withinthe bag so as to prevent exposure of the window assembly to contaminants(e.g., air, moisture, etc.). Such sealing methods are described below.

FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of a bag 26 in accordance withcertain embodiments of the invention. The bag 26 is preferably sized andshaped to accommodate a certain window assembly (not shown); however,given its form-fitting functionality described above, the bag 26 canalso greatly exceed the size of the window assembly and still be used.Preferably, the bag 26 has at least two opposing major sides 28, 30. Incertain embodiments, when a window assembly is accommodated by the bag26 (as shown in FIG. 5), the major sides 28, 30 of the bag 26 generallylie almost parallel to major planar surfaces of the window assembly. Incertain embodiments, the major sides 28, 30 of the bag 26 are sheets ofmaterial having about the same size and shape; however, it iscontemplated that the sides 28, 30 may be of different sizes as well.Respective edges 32, 34 of the major sides 28, 30 are operativelycoupled together to form a housing for the window assembly. In certainembodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the corresponding edges 32, 34 ofthe major sides 28, 30 are coupled together by using one or more sheetsof material 36 as intermediaries. Preferably, an opening 38 is definedin at least one end 40 of the bag 26 so as to enable the insertion of awindow assembly therein. Alternatively, in other certain embodiments, asshown in FIG. 4, a bag 42 may be used which has major sides 44, 46 withcorresponding edges 48, 50 that are directly coupled together withoutusing any intermediary material. Preferably, at least one end 52 of thebag 42 has edges 48, 50 which are not coupled so as to define an opening54 to enable insertion of a window assembly therethrough. Couplingmethods mentioned above could involve sewing, gluing, stapling, or otherlike techniques.

Even though they are not shown as such, the respective bags 26 and 42 ofFIGS. 3 and 4 are also generally configured to close such openings 38and 54. In certain preferable embodiments, during or subsequent to theirbeing closed, the opening 38 and 54 would also be sealed. Mechanismsproviding such closing and/or sealing functions are generally known inthe technology, with a few examples being described below. In FIG. 5,the window assembly 16 (in dashed lines) from FIG. 2 is shown as havingalready been inserted within a bag 56. The bag 56 is generally similarin structure to the bag 26 of FIG. 3 with one exception. The major sides58 and 60 of the bag 56 have been extended on the front end 62 proximateto where the opening 38 had previously been shown in FIG. 3. Such sides58 and 60 have been extended outward from the bag 56 so as to join, andin doing so, to generally close the bag opening. One embodiment foradditionally sealing the bag 56 may involve a locking mechanism similarto the zipping mechanism (e.g., Ziplock™) commonly used on small-scaleplastic bags. In particular, a protrusion would exist on an innersurface of one of the major sides 58 or 60 proximate to the front end 62of the bag 56, with the protrusion extending across the length of theopening (not visibly shown, but generally represented as 38 in FIG. 3).A channel would exist on an inner surface of the opposing major side 58or 60 proximate to the front end 62 of the bag 56, with the channelextending across the length of the opening (not visibly shown, butgenerally represented as 38 in FIG. 3). As is generally known in theart, given an appropriately sized protrusion and channel, an airtightseal can be created from the protrusion being forcibly inserted acrossthe length of the channel. Another sealing embodiment may involve anadhering mechanism which functions similarly to the locking mechanismdescribed above. In particular, adhesive would be applied to an innersurface of at least one of the major sides 58 or 60 proximate to thefront end 62 of the bag 56, with the adhesive being applied across thelength of the opening (not visibly shown, but generally represented as38 in FIG. 3). The inner surfaces would then be pressed together tocreate an airtight seal.

One other sealing embodiment may involve a bag similar to the oneillustrated in FIG. 5, but having only one major side 58 or 60 extendoff of the front end 62. This extension, or flap, would be movable andwould have adhesive applied along its entire inner edge. As such, theflap could be folded over the opening (not visibly shown, but generallyrepresented as 38 in FIG. 3) and pressed along its outer edge to createan airtight seal between the flap and the non-extended major side 58 or60. While a few examples have been provided herein, it is contemplatedthat there are a variety of other techniques in which the openings ofsuch described bags can be closed and further sealed. As such, theexamples described herein are not meant to limit the invention as such.Likewise, it is contemplated that a variety of bags and windowassemblies can be used to exemplify these techniques, and by choosingthe bag 56 and window assembly 16 above, it was not done so to limit theinvention as such.

Once the window assemblies have been inserted within the bags of theinvention and the bags have been subsequently sealed, the bags are thengenerally form-fitted to the window assemblies. As mentioned above, thisform fitting can be accomplished in a number of ways. In certainpreferable embodiments, such form-fitting is accomplished with the useof a self-sealing tube operatively coupled on a surface of the bag. Suchtubes are generally known in the art. FIG. 5 shows such a tube 64 on themajor side 58 of the bag 56. While the tube 64 is shown in thislocation, it is contemplated that such tube 64 could be located anywhereon the exposed surface of the bag 56 so long as it is removablefollowing installation of the window assembly 16. In certain preferredembodiments, the tube 64 is made of a flexible plastic so as not to markthe window assembly 16 if a lower portion of the tube 64 makes contactwith the assembly 16. As described above, the air within the bag 56 canbe generally pulled out through the tube 64 (e.g., via use of a vacuum).As a result, the bag 56 is made to close in on the outer surfaces of thewindow assembly 16. Once the vacuum is removed, the tube 64 isconfigured to seal itself in order to prevent air from reentering thebag 56. FIG. 6 shows a representation of the bag 56 following this formfitting process.

Once stored and protected within the inventive bag 56, the windowassembly 16 is typically bundled and shipped to a distributor, supplier,wholesaler, etc. and is ultimately sold to an end user. Conversely, thewindow assembly 16 can be shipped and sold directly to the end user. Incertain embodiments, the end user installs the assembly 16 in a buildingwall opening generally intended for such a window assembly. Arepresentation of the assembly 16 after such installation is illustratedin FIG. 7. Generally, the conventional technique for installing thewindow assembly 16 would not be compromised by having the windowassembly 16 encased in the bag 56. To the contrary, by form-fitting thebag 56 to the assembly 16, any problems generally caused by the bag 56hanging loosely therefrom would be reduced or eliminated. Further, bysealing the assembly 16 within the bag 56, the installation surroundings(i.e., walls, ceiling, etc.) may be painted, stained, sanded orotherwise prepared (either before or after the installation of thewindow assembly 16) without fear of blemishing the assembly 16. Thus,during the various pre-hanging, pre-finishing and painting processes,there is no need to be concerned about scratching or applying paint orstain to the assembly 16, as it is already protected.

After installation and preparation of the environment surrounding theinstalled assembly 16, the exposed portions of the bag 56 (the portionsof the bag 56 protruding outside the building wall opening) may beremoved, for example, by means of any sharp instrument. For example, asillustrated in FIG. 7, the exposed portions of the bag 56 can be removedfrom each major side of the window assembly 16 (only one major side isshown in FIG. 7) by cutting the bag 56 along joint lines 66 (only two ofwhich are visibly shown in FIG. 7) defined between the edge of theplaster, paint, or other wall coating and the window assembly framemembers. Subsequently, such cut portions would be removed and discarded,leaving the exposed surfaces of the window assembly 16 uncovered, asshown in FIG. 8. In turn, a portion of the bag 56 (not visibly shown) isgenerally left trapped between the window assembly frame and thebuilding wall opening. The portion of the bag retained within suchopening effectively serves as a barrier against action of the wallmaterial on the non-exposed frame surfaces (not visibly shown) of thewindow assembly 16. In addition, by extending only up to the joint lines66, such leftover portion of the bag 56 does not interfere with theclean appearance of the exposed surfaces of the window assembly frame.Further, the leftover portion of the bag 56 may be used as a seal orgasket (i.e., a waterproof and potentially airtight barrier) for thenon-exposed frame members, assuming that the assembly 16 has beenproperly sealed within the wall opening, with the use of putty or othersealers.

In other certain embodiments, the exposed portions of the bag 56 (theportions of the bag 56 protruding outside the building wall opening) maybe removed using other methods. For example, a bag can be configuredwith any one of a number of mechanisms located along the joint linesdefined between the edge of the plaster, paint, or other wall coatingand the window assembly frame members to enable one to remove theexposed portions of the bag as described above without cutting. Onemechanism could involve the use of scoring or perforations 70, as shownin FIG. 9. Scored or perforated material can be represented in a varietyof forms; however, the material generally includes at least one row ofholes pierced or stamped into the bag 68 to allow for easy separationalong the row. As such, by tearing at the perforations 70 along thejoint lines 66, the exposed portions of the bag 68 could be removed fromeach major side of the window assembly 16 (only one major side is shownin FIG. 9). Subsequently, such cut portions could be tom away and thendiscarded, leaving a portion of the bag 68 generally left between thewindow assembly frame and the building wall opening as previouslydescribed. Another mechanism could involve the use of plastic strip orstring 72, as shown in FIG. 10. The function of such plastic strip orstring 72 would be to hold two portions of the corresponding bag 74where the plastic strip or string 72 is affixed to the bag 74. As theplastic strip or string 72 is pulled from the bag 74 along the jointlines 66, the exposed portions of the bag 74 would separate from eachmajor side of the window assembly 16 (only one major side is shown inFIG. 10). Subsequently, such separated portions could be torn away andthen discarded, leaving a portion of the bag 74 generally left betweenthe window assembly frame and the building wall opening as previouslydescribed.

While preferred embodiments of the present invention have beendescribed, it should be understood that a variety of changes,adaptations, and modifications can be made therein without departingfrom the spirit of the invention.

1. An apparatus for securely storing and protecting a window assembly,comprising a bag with size and shape to accommodate a window assembly,the bag having an opening in at least one end thereof for inserting thewindow assembly into the bag, the bag having form-fitting functionalityfor eliminating amounts of excess space between interior surfaces of thebag and exterior surfaces of the window assembly once the windowassembly is inserted into the bag, such form-fitting capability enablingthe bag to be form-fitted to the window assembly, thereby enablingsecurement of the window assembly within the bag while also limitingportions of the bag which protrude from the window assembly.
 2. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the bag is formed of one or more elements,one of the elements being a flexible protective material that is of asuitable thickness so as to be resistant to tearing yet accommodating soas to not interfere with installation of the window assembly in thefield.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein material comprises plastic.4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the bag is opaque in order toprotect the window assembly from bleaching.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein the bag is translucent to permit examination of contents of thebag.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the bag is water-resistant. 7.The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the bag includes a tube defining abore that enables fluid communication between interior of the bag andexterior of the bag, wherein the tube is operatively coupled to a sideof the bag, wherein the bag opening is adapted to be operatively sealed,and wherein the bag is adapted to be form-fitted to the window assemblythrough vacuum sealing via the tube.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7,wherein the tube is made of a plastic material and is adapted to beself-sealing.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the bag is comprisedof material adapted to retain static electricity.
 10. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the bag is comprised of heat sensitive material.
 11. Amethod of securely storing and protecting a window assembly for a periodof time after the window assembly is manufactured, comprising the stepsof: providing a bag with size and shape to accommodate a windowassembly, the bag having an opening in at least one end thereof forinserting the window assembly into the bag, the bag having form-fittingfunctionality for enabling the bag to be form-fitted to the windowassembly, thereby enabling securement of the window assembly within thebag while also limiting portions of the bag which protrude from thewindow assembly; inserting the window assembly into the bag; andform-fitting the bag once the window assembly is inserted in the bag.12. The method of claim 11, wherein the form-fitting functionalityincludes a tube defining a bore that enables fluid communication betweeninterior of the bag and exterior of the bag, wherein the tube isoperatively coupled to a side of the bag, and wherein the form-fittingstep includes sealing the bag opening and pulling excess air betweeninterior surfaces of the bag and exterior surfaces of the windowassembly out of the bag through the tube.
 13. The method of claim 12,wherein the form-fitting step includes self-sealing of the tube afterthe excess air is pulled out from the bag.
 14. The method of claim 11,wherein the bag is comprised of material adapted to retain staticelectricity, and wherein the form-fitting step includes introducingstatic electricity to the material.
 15. The method of claim 11, whereinthe bag is comprised of heat sensitive material, and wherein theform-fitting step includes heating surfaces of the bag.
 16. A method ofsecurely storing and protecting a window assembly during installation ofthe window assembly, comprising the steps of: providing a constructionincluding a window assembly being encased in a bag, the bag form-fittedto the window assembly, the form-fitted bag enabling securement of thewindow assembly within the bag while also limiting portions of the bagwhich protrude from the window assembly; installing the construction ina building wall opening generally intended for the window assembly;finishing environment surrounding the installed construction; andremoving the exposed portions of the bag.
 17. The method of claim 16,wherein the removing step involves cutting the bag along joint linesdefined between edges of the building wall opening and the constructionwith a sharp instrument.
 18. The method of claim 16, wherein theremoving step involves tearing the bag along joint lines defined betweenedges of the building wall opening and the construction.
 19. The methodof claim 18, wherein removing step involves providing perforations inthe bag along the joint lines.
 20. The method of claim 18, wherein theremoving step involves providing a linkage holding the bag together atthe joint lines, and wherein tearing along the joint lines would involvepulling the linkage away from the construction.
 21. The method of claim16, wherein the removing step involves leaving a portion of the bagbetween the building wall opening and the window assembly, such bagportion serving as a barrier against action of wall material onnon-exposed frame surfaces of the window assembly.
 22. The method ofclaim 21, wherein the removing step involves using the bag portion as aseal for the non-exposed frame surfaces.
 23. The method of claim 22,wherein the removing step involves using the bag portion as one or moreof a waterproof barrier and an airtight barrier.